Argentina prepares bill to advance energy sector, including LNG exports

Reuters

Published Sep 21, 2022 05:24PM ET

Updated Sep 21, 2022 05:47PM ET

By Marianna Parraga

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Argentine President Alberto Fernandez on Wednesday said his government plans in coming days to submit legislation to the national congress that "would give certainty" to energy producers and help advance Argentina's liquefied natural gas (LNG) agenda.

The Vaca Muerta shale basin, the world's second largest unconventional gas reserve and the fourth largest oil reserve, gives the country strong advantages in oil and gas markets, he said, speaking to an audience of energy executives in Houston.

"I am convinced that based on the amount of reserves that Argentina has, we must think about designing a country where energy is the central axis," Fernandez told the audience that included executives from Chevron Corp (NYSE:CVX) , Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:XOM) , Equinor, Shell (LON:RDSa) and Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB).

The energy bill, being drafted with Economy Minister Sergio Massa, will encompass LNG, hydrogen, lithium, solar and other forms of energy, Fernandez said in remarks after the event.